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Official Description

Ostectomy, excision of tarsal coalition

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28116 refers to an ostectomy, specifically the excision of a tarsal coalition. A tarsal coalition is characterized by an abnormal connection or fusion between two or more tarsal bones in the foot, which can significantly restrict the normal range of motion. This condition may arise from various causes, with congenital factors being the most common; however, it can also develop as a result of acquired conditions such as infections, arthritis, or traumatic injuries. Clinically, individuals with a tarsal coalition may experience a range of symptoms, including pain during ambulation or standing, fatigue in the legs, muscle spasms, flatfoot deformity, limping, and stiffness in the foot and ankle. The surgical approach to address this condition is contingent upon the specific tarsal bones involved in the coalition. During the procedure, the abnormal connections—whether they consist of bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue—are surgically excised. To promote proper healing and restore function, surrounding fat and/or muscle tissue is interposed between the affected bones. Finally, the overlying soft tissues are meticulously closed in layers, and the foot is immobilized in a cast to ensure stability during the recovery process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of excising a tarsal coalition is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms and conditions related to the abnormal fusion of tarsal bones. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this surgical intervention:

  • Pain when walking or standing - Patients often report significant discomfort during weight-bearing activities, which may necessitate surgical correction.
  • Tired legs - The abnormal mechanics of the foot can lead to fatigue in the legs, prompting the need for surgical intervention.
  • Muscle spasms in the leg - Involuntary contractions may occur due to the altered biomechanics associated with tarsal coalition.
  • Flatfoot - The condition may contribute to or exacerbate flatfoot deformity, which can further complicate mobility and function.
  • Walking with a limp - Patients may adopt a limping gait as a compensatory mechanism to alleviate discomfort caused by the coalition.
  • Stiffness of the foot and ankle - Reduced range of motion in the foot and ankle can lead to stiffness, indicating the need for surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for excising a tarsal coalition involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and recovery. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration - The procedure begins with the administration of appropriate anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Step 2: Surgical Approach - The surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the area of the tarsal coalition, allowing access to the underlying bones. The specific approach may vary depending on which tarsal bones are fused.
  • Step 3: Excision of Coalition - The abnormal connections—whether they are composed of bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue—are carefully excised. This step is crucial to restore normal anatomy and function to the foot.
  • Step 4: Interposition of Tissue - After excision, surrounding fat and/or muscle tissue is interposed between the separated bones. This interposition helps to prevent re-fusion and promotes healing.
  • Step 5: Closure of Soft Tissues - The overlying soft tissues are then closed in layers to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring.
  • Step 6: Immobilization - Finally, the foot is immobilized in a cast to provide stability and support during the recovery phase, allowing for optimal healing of the surgical site.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the excision of a tarsal coalition is essential for successful recovery. Patients are typically advised to keep the foot immobilized in a cast for a specified duration to ensure proper healing. Pain management strategies may be implemented to address any discomfort experienced after the surgery. Patients should also be monitored for signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing process and to determine when it is appropriate to begin rehabilitation exercises aimed at restoring mobility and strength to the foot and ankle. Gradual weight-bearing activities may be introduced as healing progresses, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Short Descr REVISION OF FOOT
Medium Descr OSTECTOMY TARSAL COALITION
Long Descr Ostectomy, excision of tarsal coalition
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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